Heat exchange unit



July 5, 193?- A. B. MoDlNE 1,865,536'

HEAT EXCHANGE UNIT Filed Aug. 26. 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet l July 5, 1932.

A. B. MoDlNE 1,865,536

HEAT EXCHANGE UNIT Filed Aug. 26, 19294 2 sheets-sheet 2 Patented July 5, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ARTHUR B. MODINE, OF RACINE, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNOR T MODINE MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF RACINE, WISCONSIN, A CORPORATION OF WISCONSIN HEAT' EXCHANGE 'UNIT Application led August 26, 1929. Serial No. 388,494.

My invention relates generally to heat ex` change devices and, while suitable for either heating or cooling systems,- has to do more particularly with apparatus of the type referred to which is particularly adapted for heating a factory or other enclosure used for industrial purposes.

An object of my invention is to provide a heating unit which will be` adapted to project a current of heated air into an enclosure and is so designed as to permit thermal expansion and contraction of the. heating elementsfwithout danger of injury to the device, and consequent leakage of heatingiiuid. Another object is to provide a device of the class described which is adapted to be so mounted that the heated air may be projected in any desired direction.

Another object is to .provide improved means for securing a radiator tank to auid 'conduit so as to obtain a luid tight joint To this end, my'invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement, and combination of parts herein shown and described, and more particularly pointed out in the claims. f

Referring now to the drawings forming part of the specification and illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 1 represents a front elevation of a de- .vice embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1v; i

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1; on a slightly enlarged scale.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4-4ofFig.3;and

F ig.- 5 is a sectional view taken onthe line 5 5 of Fig. 3.

The invention herein shown and claimed `is also disclosed in part in my Patents, No. 1,800,842 issued April 14, 1931, and No.v

1,836,271 issued December 15, 1931, another species of the invention bein shown in an application filed by me, erial Number 384,203.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, thenumeral 1 indicates generally a heating unit adapted to be mounted in any convenient manner. In the embodiment disclosed, the heating unit 1 is supported from the top and bottom by means of nipples 2 and 3 which respectively connect With the supply and return lines of the heating system. These l nipples are rotatably secured to pipe unions v4 and 5 as shown in Fig. 1. It will be understood that the pipe union 4 is connected to a pipe 7 leadingfrom any suitable source (not shown) of heat exchange fluid, such as steam, hot water, or the like, while the lower pipe union 5 is connected to a conduit 6 for carrying off the heat exchange fluid.

The heat exchange means comprises, broadly, an upper tank 9 and a lower tank 10 communicating with each other by means of spaced tubular members 11. Secured on the tubes 11 and extending tranversely thereof are vanes or fins 12. It will be understood 'that the tubes and vanes are formed of any suitable material having a high heat conductivity, and are preferably of thin sheet metal.

A frame member 13 having a fluid conducting passage 14 therein is connected to the nipple 2 by means of screw threads or othere suitable means. The tank 9 is secured to the frame member 13 by means ofv headed bolts 15 screw threaded into spider like members 16 Aformed integrally with the frame member 13 in the passage. These bolts extend through spiders 17 which have apertured heads which are located-in apertures 19, the latter of which are provided in the front wall of the tank 9. lhe leg portions of the spiders are connected at their opposite ends by a ring member'21 having an annular fiange 20 which seats against the rear wall of the tank 9. The passage between the tank 9 and the passage 14 is completed by means of a nipple 21 which is constructed to provide a iiuid tight joint between the tank and said passage 14. This nipple is inserted into the ring 21 and since one end of the bolt 15 is secured in the spider 17 of the frame 13, rotation of the bolt 15 in one direction will cause the spider 16 to be drawn against the nipple 21 forcing the wedge shaped end of the nipple into the aperture 23 provided in said frame member.

It will be noted from Fig. 3 that the lower portion of the tank 9 is open and that both the front and rear walls 24 and 25 of the tank have their edges respectively grooved so as to receive the opposite longitudinal edges 26 and 27 of a header plate 33. The ends of the tubes 11 are secured to the tank 9 by means of solder or other suitable means. It will also be apparent that the construction of the lower tank 10 is substantially similar in this respect to the upper tank 9.

The frame member 13 is formed to provide a rearwardly extending bracket 28 which has a bracket 29 secured thereto for supporting a motor 30. This motor may be of any suitable design, preferably electrical, and has a fan 31 attached to the shaft 32 thereof.

Side plates 33 and 34 having one end thereof secured to the frame 13 extend downwardly therefrom to a suitable distance beyond the lower portion of the tank or header 10. These ends of the side plates are connected with an` end piece or closure 35 having the upstanding anges 36 and 37 provided at its opposite longitudinal edges. It will be noted that a space 38 is provided between the header andA the end plate to permit movement of this header relatively to the end plate to compensate for expansion of the tubes 11 and that the iange 36 frictionally enga-ges the outlet header 10. A casting 39 is connected by means of the bolts 40 with the end plate and this casting has a fluid passage 41, to which the outlet nipple 6 and pipe connection 42 are connected to thereby provide means for conducting the exhaust heat exchange fluid from the tank or header 10. The pipe conneetion generally designated 42 includes a threaded boss 43 formed upon the rear wall of the tank 10 which has a nipple 44 threaded therein; this nipple is connected by means of a coupling 45 with the tube 42. This tubular member may be formed of brass or of other suitable flexible material and is connected at its opposite end by means of a coupling 51 with the passage 41 provided in the casting 39 which provides a bracket to assist in the support of the device generally designated 1.' As will be noted from Fig. 3, the bracket 39 is substantially Lshapedin section and communicates with the outlet or drain nipple 6. Numeral 53 indicates a plug for closing a drain opening for the passage 41 of the casting 39. The header 10 is constructed tocorrespond with theJ header 9 in that it is provided with longitudinal recesses provided in the side Walls thereof for the reception fianges provided upon the closure 55 thereof.

In operation, the heating unit is mounted in the manner described above with the conduit 2 connected to a suitable source of heat exchange fluid (not shown). The motor 30 is connected to a suitable source of electrical energy (not shown). It will be obvious that when themotor and fan are set in operation, air will be drawn into the lheat-ing unit from the rear thereof and forced past the tubes 11 and the fins 12. When the tubes 11 become heated, they obviously expand lengthwise, thus moving the tank 10 downwardly. Such expansion is permitted by means of the space provided between this tank 10 and the member 35. Furthermore` the fact that the tubular member 42 is flexible will permit relative movement between the coupling 45 and the coupling 51 when abending stress is applied to the tubular member 50. It will further be noted that theheating unit may be rotated about an axis represented by the nipples so that-the beate?. alr may be directed into any l portion ofthe room desired.

By means of the peculiar connection between the upper tank 9 and the frame member 13 a fluid-tight connection is obtained without the use of gaskets, solder or the like, which will remain satisfactory over long periods of time. It is obvious that considerable pressure may be applied to the tank by means of the bolts 15 so as to wedge the nipple 21 very securely into the apertures of both the tank and the frame member without danger of injury to the tank.

Furthermore, it will be obvious that the casing member 35 serves as adrip pan to catch vany possible drippings of oil from the fan ory motor, and also provides means to catch any of the heat exchange liquid from the tubes or tanks, which might result from leakage between the tubes and the headers,

or in ease the device were used for cooling rather than heating, might be the result of the condensation of atmospheric moisture on the outside of the tubes or other members? It is also manifest that the member 39 provides a bracket which assists to support the device and that the member 13 performs this function and in addition provides means for supporting the motor and the fan.

Having thus described the invention, it is obvious that changes andl modifications may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the appended claims forming a 1 part thereof. What I claim and desire to cover by Letters Patent is:

1. In a device of the class described, a heating unit comprising spaced tanks` connected by tubular means, and means including a Huid passage providing means for supportin said heating unit to permit linear expansion and contraction of said tubes relatively to said supporting means.

2. In a device of the class described, a heating unit comprising spaced tanks connected by tubular means, and means including a fluid passage for supporting said heating unit, said supporting means comprising means rigidly connected to one of said tanks, and means for supporting the other of said tanks to permit linear expansion and contraction of said tubes relatively to said last mentioned means.

3. In a device of the class described, a heating unit comprising spaced tanks connected by tubular means and means for supportingsaid heating'unit, said supporting means comprising means rigidly connected to one of said tanks through which Huid is introduced to said tubes and means engaging the other of said tanks having means arranged in spaced relation to said last mentioned tank whereby linear expansion and contraction of said tubes is permitted.

4. In a device of the class described, a heating unit comprising spaced tanks connected by tubular means and means for supporting said heating unit, said supporting means comprising a iexible member whereby linear eX- pansion and contraction of said tubular means is permitted.

5. In a device of the'class described, a heating unit comprising spaced tanks connected by tubular means and means for supporting said heating unit, said supporting means comprising fiuid conducting inlet and draining means connected to said tanks, one 'of said fluid conducting means comprising a fiexible member, whereby linear expansion and contraction of said tubular means is permitted.

6. In a device of the class described, a heating unit comprising spaced tanks connected by tubular means and means for supporting said heating unit, said supporting means comprising a fluid supply conduit and a Huid draining conduit, means carried by one of said conduits for frictionally engaging one of said tanks, and a fiexible tubular member connecting said last named tank with said la st named conduit.

7. In a device of the class described, a heating unit comprising spaced tanks connected therewith, a wedge shapednipple disposed between said tubular bracket and said last named tank, and means urging said bracket and said tank together and intoengagement with said nipple. y

9. In a device ofthe class described, a heatlng unit comprising spaced tanks connected by tubular means, a tubulaa bracket for supporting one of said tanks and communicating therewith, a wedge shaped nipple disposed between said tubular bracket and said last named tank, means for urging said bracket and said tank together and into engagement with said nipple, and means for resisting said last meansto prevent the collapse of said tank.

10: In a `device of the class described, a heating unit comprising spaced apertured tanks connected by tubularl means, a tubular bracket for supporting one of said tanks and communicating therewith, a wedge shaped nipple disposed between said bracket and said tank, a spider secured in the aperture of said tank and engaging said nipple, and means for urging said tank toward said bracket against t-he resistance of said spider.

ll. In a device of the class described, a heating unit comprising spaced tanks connected by tubular means, means for conducting heating Huid to said heating unit, means for draining the heating fluid from the bot-` tom of said heating unit, said means being free to move and permit linear expansion and contraction of said tubular means, and means permitting adjustment of said heating unit about an axis of rotation.

12. In a device of the class described, a heating unit comprising spaced tanks connected by tubular means, means for conducting heating fiuid to said heating unit, said means including a pipe union, means for draining heating fiuid from the bottom of said heating unit, said last mentioned means being movable to permit linear expansion and contraction of said tubular means, and means for permitting adjustment of said heating unit about an axis of rotation, said last-named means also including a pipe union aligned with said first mentioned union.

13. In a device of the class described, a

heating unit comprising spaced tanks con-I iin 14. In a device of the class described, a

heating unit comprising an upper tank and a lower tank connected by tubular members,

means for rigidly supporting said upper tank and constituting a fluid inlet therefore, means for draining fluid from said lower tank comprising a flexible tubular member, and means carried by said drain means frictionally supporting said lower tank and also constituting a drip pan.

15. In a. device of the class described, a heating unit comprising an upper tank and a lower tank connected by tubular members, means for rigidly supporting said upper tank and constituting a fluid inlet therefor, means for draining fluid from said lower tank comprising a flexible tubular member, means carried by said drain means frictionally supporting said lower tank and also constituting a drip pan, and a pair of aligned pipe unions connected to said fluid inlet means and to said drain means respectively so as to permit annular adjustment of said heating unit about an axis of rotation coincident with that of said unions.

16. In a device of the class described, a heating unit comprising an upper tank and a lower tank connected by tubular members, means for rigidly1 supporting said upper tank and constituting a fluid inlet therefor, a drip pan frictionally engaging said lower tank so as to permit sliding movement of said tank therein, a tubular bracket supporting said drip pan, a drain conduit supporting sald tubular bracket and communicating therewith, and a flexible tubular member connected to said lower tank and to said tubular bracket and permitting communication therebetween.

17. In a device of the class described, the combinationf of a heater unit, air advancing means and means for supporting said heater unit and air advancing means, said supporting means including an element through which fluid is supplied to the heater unit and means providing means whereby said heater unit may move in a linear direction relatively to said air advancing means and supporting means.

18. In a device of the class described, the combination of a heater unit, air advancing means and means for supporting said heater unit and air advancing means and supplying fluid to said heater unit, and means providing mea-ns whereby one end of said heater unlt may move in a linear direction relatively toy said' air advancing means and supporting means.

A 19. In a device of the class described, the combination of a heater unit, air advancing means and means for supporting said heater unit and air advancing means and supplying fluid to said heater unit, and flexible tubular means providing means whereby one/end of said heater unit may move relatively to said air advancing means and supporting means. 20. In a device of the kind described, the combination of a frame having top, bottom and sidewalls, a heater unit located in said frame and connected to one of said walls and said wall providing a fluid passage, and a connection between said heater unit and frame providing a fluid assage, said connection providing means w ereby said heater unit may move in a linear direction relatively to said frame.

2l. In a device of the kind described, the combination of a frame comprised of top, bottom and side walls, a heater unit suspended at one end from one of said walls and said wall providing a fluid passage, the opposite end of said unit being free, said free end of said unit providing means for compensating orexpansion and contraction of said unit, and means providing a fluid passage at the free end of said unit.

22. In a device of the kind described, the combination of a frame, a heater unit, fluid supply and discharge passages for said heater unit, said heater unit being rigidly connected at one end to said frame,ithe opposite end ofv said heater unit being free to move relatively to said frame, and a flexible member extending from said free end of said unit providing an element of one of said fluid passages.

23. In a device of the kind described, the combination of a frame, a heaterunit, fluid supply and discharge passages for said heater unit, said heater unit being fixedly secured at one end to said frame, the oppos1te end of said heater unit being free to move relatively to said frame, and a connection between said last mentioned end of said heater unit and frame providing an element of one of said passages.

24. In a device of the kind described, the combination of a heater unit, air advancing means and members providing a support for the heater unit and air advancing means, said air advancing means and heater unit being connected to one of said members and one end of said heater unit being connected with another of said members for movement relatively to said last mentioned member, and an element'providing a fluid passage, said element being connected with said last mentioned end of said vunit and providing means permitting said movement of said end of said unit. l v

25. In a device o1" the kind described, the combination of a heater unit, air advancing means and a frame for supporting said heater unit and air advancing means, said frame including elements fixed with respect to each otheriand including elements providing fluid passages communicating with said heater unlt, said heater unit and air advancing means being rigidly connected with an element of the frame which provides said fluid passages, the opposite end of said heater unit being free to move relatively to the frame, and means connected to said movable end of said beater unit and 011e of the elements of said frame, said last mentioned means providing an element of means compensating for movement of said end of said heater unit relatively to said frame.

26. In a device of the kind described, the combination of a heat exchange unit, a member comprised of a plurality of elements providing a support for said unit, said unit being connected at one end to and suspended from one of said elements and projecting towards and being arranged in spaced relation to another element of said frame, said last mentioned end of said unit land said element of the frame being spaced from each 16 other to provide means allowing expansion and contraction of said unit relatively to said frame, said last mentioned element of the frame having a ange .for guiding the movement of said end of said unit, and means 20 providing for fluid ow from said end of said unit, said last mentioned means pro-r viding means compensating for said movement.

27. In a heat exchange device, the combination of a frame comprised of a plurality of connected elements and providing an open ended box-like structure, one of the-elements of said frame providing a Huid passage, air advancing means secured to said element, a

20 heat exchange unit having an end thereof connected to said element and being suspended therefrom and projecting toward and 1n spaced relation to another element of said frame, said last mentioned element provid- 85 ing a drip pan, and means for. guiding movement of said end of said'unit, a tubular member having one -end connected to said last mentioned end of said unit and having its opposite end fixed relatively to said frame 4o and providing an element ofa fluid passage.

28. In a device of the kind described, a heating unit havin fluid conducting tubes, supporting means or said unit, one end of said tubes being connected with said supporting means, and providing for circulation of fluid between saidl tubes and supporting means and means providing part of said supporting means located at the opposite end and in spaced relation to said end of said unit ,whereby linear expansion and contraction of said tubes is permitted.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 22nd day of Au st, A. D. 1929. I

ARTHUR JMODINE. u 

